Why in News
The Delhi High Court granted bail to two individuals involved in a money laundering case linked to former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
The individuals had already spent two years in jail, and the maximum sentence for their alleged offense is seven years.
The court discussed how stringent provisions of the PMLA should not be used to unjustly keep individuals incarcerated.
What HC Said
The court emphasized that PMLA provisions cannot be a tool for keeping accused persons in jail without a valid reason.
The court noted that if the trial is taking a long time and the delay isn't due to the accused, they shouldn't be kept in custody.
Under Section 45 of the PMLA, the accused must prove they are likely innocent and that they won’t commit further offenses if released on bail.
The court stated that being accused of money laundering is not as severe as being charged with serious crimes like murder or rape.
The court stressed that the rights of the accused must be respected and not curtailed without considering all factors.
The court reiterated that bail should be the norm, not jail, highlighting the principle of personal liberty enshrined in the constitution.
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